and in a strange twist to this whole affair, one of the most public whistle-blowers, a man called sean hoare, who was a former entertainment reporter for the "news of the world" was found dead at his home this evening. so far, anyway, police are saying the death is unexplained but not suspicious. bob? >> schieffer: thank you very much, liz. liz palmer in london. in this country, president obama claimed some progress in negotiations to try to find a way to raise the debt limit and keep the government from defaulting on its financial obligations. the reason for the optimism was not all together clear but a cbs news poll out tonight reflects the political toll this crisis is taking. the public is split right down the middle over the president's handling of the situation, but congress fares worse. 58% disapprove of how democrats are handling it, 78% disapprove of what republicans are doing. we want to welcome tonight our new white house correspondent norah o'donnell to the broadcast. she has more on all of this and the poll. norah? >> reporter: good evening, bob. tonight we're learning new